Our Story

Fortune School of Education, established in 1989, provides preparation programs to fill the "pipeline" of educators needed in today's schools. It was the brainchild of Dr. Rex Fortune. As a school superintendent, he saw an opportunity to bring more diverse teaching candidates into public schools, especially in the shortage of science and mathematics instruction.  

Understanding the unique needs of teachers, students, and the broader school system was something Dr. Fortune honed throughout his career. He served as a public school superintendent in California for over 20 years. Fortune holds a doctorate in education from Stanford University.   The culmination of Dr. Fortune's extensive experience and expertise has created the exceptional graduate school now known as Fortune School of Education.  

Training teachers and school administrators are only part of the story. In 2008, Margaret Fortune joined Fortune School of Education as its President and CEO. Under her leadership, Fortune School of Education has expanded to include a system of tuition-free, college preparatory, and public charter schools. Located in San Bernardino and Sacramento, which boast the second and third highest Black student populations in California, the schools focus on closing the African American achievement gap.

Fortune School is a unique partnership between public charter schools and the Black Press. Fortune School is proud to have the Black Voice News and The Sacramento Observer Newspaper as its partners. Deeply rooted in the communities we serve, each Fortune School is named to honor local African American community icons.